A Couple Bad Days

So, my intention was to get together a fun little WIAW post for you all yesterday, but those plans got wiped away after experiencing a couple pretty bad days. Luckily, it’s not this little guy who’s the culprit (who happens to be loving watching his hands and feet these days)…

It’s me.

Tuesday morning, I woke up with an extremely sore neck and a headache that was starting down at the bottom of my neck. I attributed the sore neck and shoulders to the upper body workout that I did on Monday, so I didn’t think much of it. The headache wasn’t too bad during the morning, so I even took advantage of Lucas’s nap time with 30 minutes of cardio on the treadmill.

Pre-workout snack, of course, included two of my egg cups.

The workout went great, and most of the afternoon was going okay, but I noticed my headache was increasing. I had no idea why, since it’s very, very rare that I get them. I thought maybe if I ate some lunch it’d help, so I had some leftover pasta fagioli that we got sent home with from Sarah and Jeff on Sunday.

Headache still continued to get worse, and around 4pm while playing with Lucas on the floor, I suddenly found myself shivering and with an extreme case of the chills. It was so odd, but only lasted for maybe an hour or so. Later that evening though, around 7ish, the chills came back, my shivering was uncontrollable, my whole body ached, and my headache was practically debilitating. I put Lucas to bed and then headed to bed myself shortly after.

A few hours later, I woke up absolutely scorching. Like, body was sweating, face felt like it was on fire. I took my temp, which turned out to be 102.5. My whole body just felt wiped…almost like I was coming down with the flu.

Fast forward to yesterday morning…I still had a wicked headache, but my temp went down to about 100.9. I should also mention that during all of these aches and pains, I was also experiencing extreme breast tenderness and a large lump in one of my breasts. Knowing that all of this could be a sign of something more serious, I called the doctor and made an appointment.

Thankfully, Jay’s mom was available, so she watched Lucas while I went out. And let me just get off on a tangent quick…baby swings are amazing. We didn’t end up getting one because I didn’t think (or hoped) we’d need it. Well, we are now borrowing this from our friends Josh & Erika, and it is fantastic.

He immediately calms down and occasionally falls asleep, too. We all love it.

But anywho…off to the doc I went. I explained all of my symptoms, and after he checked me out, it turns out I have a case of mastitis. UGH. He prescribed me antibiotics to start taking, which will hopefully get this over with soon.

In addition to that, apparently my white blood cell count came back low (I think?), so they’re sending that out to get cultured, and I’ll be heading back on Friday for a follow up. Lucky, lucky me. I was initially really worried about how having the mastitis would effect my breastfeeding, but after discussing it with my doctor, I’m feeling positive that there won’t be any long term issues.

Today, I still have this damn headache, and my neck is beyond stiff and sore, but I’m slowly feeling a bit better and more like myself. Last night, Jay even offered to go and get me some of my favorite orange and vanilla soft serve with rainbow sprinkles and I think that alone helped me feel better.

And yes, our ice cream had to be enjoyed by candlelight, since we were lucky enough to experience a nice ol’ power outage. It only lasted for about an hour and a half, but Lucas didn’t seem to mind it one bit.

He was totally mesmerized by those candles. Adorable.

So yes, there we have it. A little recap of what’s been going on over here. Not all fabulous, but could certainly be worse! Now, hopefully, we can just get this mastitis cleared up and get back to normal.

I’ve had mastitis once before and it was terrible! Its really scary to have something wrong with that part of your body too since its not an area that usually has an issue! Warm compresses really helped when I had it and of course baggy bras/shirts! Best wishes for feeling better soon! I know how bad it feels!

Awe I hope you feel better soon! I have been sick all week (same head ache, body ache and fever) but mine is actually the flu. Lucas is adorable, glad things are going well with him and fingers crossed those antibiotics have you feeling closer to normal soon!Laura @losingrace recently posted..This.Just.Happened.

OMG! I am so sorry to hear that you were so sick!!! Glad to hear that you figured out what was going on and that you are doing better Tara | Treble in the Kitchen recently posted..Time for Another Pin It Party

White count was probably high (not low) as it rises with any type of infection. Good luck mastitis is the worst! I had that and multiple clogged ducts. What always worked for me was to have my son’s mouth facing upward toward the clog (if that makes sense). A lactation consultant told me that and it was the only thing that ever worked. Pumping never worked for me.

I’m so sorry to hear that you haven’t been feeling well! It totally stinks to be down in the dumps so I’m glad you are starting to feel better. Good thing you went to the doctor!FitBritt@MyOwnBalance recently posted..Seven Day Detox: Day 3

Courtney,
I’m so sorry to hear you have mastitis. I have a 5 mo old and I had it twice in the same breast. It was miserable!! Like another poster said, pumping didn’t help mine. But frequent massage did. Unfortunately, after having it twice my supply drastically suffered and I had to stop breastfeeding. There is a supplement you can take to help prevent it. It’s called lecithin. I wish I had known before I got it a second time. I hope you feel better soon!!

I had that and it was terrible. My lactation consultant had me pumping around the clock along with continuing to to breastfeed. Rest and staying hydrated are key for you. I was basically in bed for a week. My milk supply totally went down to next to nothing because my body was trying to fight the mastitis. Watch out for that.

Been there!! It sucks so incredibly bad but like you said, it could be worse. I was always thankful that I was the one who was sick and not my babay. Take it easy and eat lots of cookies and you’ll feel better in no time! Nicole @ Curly Mommy recently posted..Hey, remember me?

It’s good to hear you’re already starting to feel like yourself! I just got over being sick last week, and it’s just not a good feeling, any cold is bad. Aw, what a great husband you have Chelsea @ A Fit LittleOne recently posted..Quads, Quads, Quads

I’m so sorry! Mastitis is the worst! When I was nursing and felt one coming on, I always took extra Vitamin C, made sure I wasn’t wearing a constricting bra, nursed a lot, and put a couple frozen cabbage leaves on the infected breast (I know, weird, but it helped sooo much! Just don’t use this tip if you have milk supply issues). Plus, I would get mastitis more often if I was not getting enough rest or doing too much physically. I hope you get better quickly!

Argh. I felt your pain. I knew it as I read your blog! My youngest son was born on December 6 (many moons ago, he’s a teenager now), and I remember going to the doctor on Christmas eve with the same symptoms. Luckily the antibiotics kicked in pretty quick, so hopefully you are feeling better already!

Ughh sorry girl! Mastitis is terrible! I had it when my son was 3 weeks old and again when I was weaning off pumping a year later. Hope you get to feeling better!Erin @Sugar Magnolia recently posted..9/11: Have You Forgotten

Yikes! I’ve never heard of mastitis, but it sounds miserable… Sorry to hear that you had a rough couple of days, Courtney, but I’m glad that you’re starting to feel better – ice cream has that magical healing property Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted... thinking out loud #45 .

When you started to describe your symptoms, I immediately thought of mastitis. I’m glad the medicine will help and won’t affect your milk. Sounds awful though! Being sick and caring for a newborn is my worst nightmare.
Also, I totally agree about the amazingness of the swing. My daughter had been sleeping in her swing exclusively up until yesterday when I was forced to use the crib…and she slept great.

You poor thing. I had mastitis when my daughter was 3 weeks old and it was awful. The best thing is to nurse and pump as often as you can, although when you have such a high fever it HURTS to be touched. We got through it and weaned after her first birthday with no other cases of mastitis, thankfully! Wishing you a speedy recovery and I hope you can get some rest.

I hope you feel better Courtney! I had a kidney stone a week after Noah was boorn and had to be on antibiotics and couldn’t breastfeed. I just pumped it all out and resumed when I was off the abx. Not sure if that’s the same with mastitis but maybe that can be helpful to you? Get well!Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes recently posted..Learning to take days off.

Soft serve always makes me feel better, too! I’m so sorry you’re feeling awful. Headaches are the worst in general but pairing them with chills and aches is just downright awful. Feel better, love.Julie recently posted..We Want What We Can’t Have

Oh I hope you feel better soon! I got mastitis this year actually on Mother’s day weekend! Lovely timing right?! 😉 My little guy was right around the 6 week mark…I know how awful it is and I hope you won’t have to deal with it anymore. Thank gosh for having help! I was concerned about breast feeding too, but I just kept pumping and have him feed very often. Plus Tons of water!!!!! Take care 😀

I’m sorry about the bad few days! I’m glad it isn’t anything too serious, though, and you’re still able to breastfeed! Thank God for antibiotics, baby swings, and husbands who bring home frozen treats! 😉

Ugh, so sorry to hear about your rough couple of days. :(. I used to get clogged ducts a lot. As soon as I felt any lumps I would massage it toward the nipple, while my sons were feeding. It hurts but I never ended up with mastitis, which sounds awful. I did start to feel symptoms once or twice but the hard massage while feeding always ended up taking care of the problem. Good luck and give that handsome guy some extra cuddles!

You’re lucky your power was only out for an hour and a half! Ours has been out since 7 last night and they said the most optimistic estimation of when it could be back is 11:30 tonight. And that’s if we’re lucky!

Oh goodness I completely understand! I just finished breastfeeding my daughter after over a year and had mastitis multiple times. I strongly suggest you take a Lecithin supplement. Once I started taking 2-3 of those a day I never had another case. Also, lots of hot showers, extra nursing and pumping to unclog those ducts! Good luck and I feel for ya!

Oh wow, feel better!!! Headaches that persist for days are miserable, but thank goodness it wasn’t anything more serious! Lucas is adorable, and that baby swing looks like a god send!!!Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted..Old Navy Running Apparel

Oh Court, I’m SO sorry friend. I hope this passes quickly for you. And so glad you got a swing to use – I call ours a miracle worker! I still use it occasionally for Hunter’s naps if he’s having trouble staying asleep (damn 45 min intruder 😉 ). Love you!Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted..How to Fit in Exercise with A Babe in Your Life

Oh my gosh, that sounds terrible! I hope you get to feeling better super soon. I am glad that your little one isn’t sick, or able to get sick! That would just be one more thing, right?Jill C. recently posted..Be Human…it’s okay.

Yikes! Hope you get better, soon! At first, the symptoms sounded like what some women go through with a heart attack!!! Good to see that you have a great support around you and people to take care of you

Sorry to hear that you haven’t been feeling well! I hope the mastitis clears up quickly. We lost power too, but fortunately only lasted for about 20 minutes in total – parents didn’t get theirs back until about 4 am though!Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..Live Blogging: From Blog To Job.

Aww, poor you! I hope you are feeling much better and glad to hear the little guy was doing just fine. Your symptoms sound terrible but I’m glad to hear your are doing fine now and that was so sweet of Jay to get ice-cream! That always helps =D

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[…] Sure, he ate like a champ, but let’s not forget about the leaking, the soreness, the hot flashes, the mastitis, the rigid feeding schedule and feeling like my life revolved around my boobs, and everything else […]